Germany begins 3-year universal-basic-income trial

Post by baconandeggs » Wed, Aug 19, 2020, 7:55 PM UTC

skybrian wrote: post #84

baconandeggs wrote: post #64

Earlier quoted context omitted.

And that is why it will fail. Fairness is not about everyone getting the same amount just for existing, for that in itself is not fair. Real fairness is everyone playing against the same rules and being treated the same under the law. Sadly governments and politicians are too corrupt to implement real fairness and have decided instead for the populist way out while keeping their insane advantage intact.

People talk about it a lot but I don’t think there is any agreement on what fairness is. Note that having a leader at all means someone has more power, and that’s inherently unequal, but most people think the benefits are worth it.

Post by luckylion » Wed, Aug 19, 2020, 7:57 PM UTC

nemothekid wrote: post #69

missedthecue wrote: post #2

These studies don't really prove anything. Common arguments in favor of these studies - "They prove people don't quit work on UBI!" - No, they prove that people who are in a program that is very clearly temporary will not end their careers for a short pilot program. This means nothing. "They prove people won't spend it on drugs, booze, and lotto tickets!" - No. If you make $1k from a job and $1k from a pilot program…

> What UBI skeptical people want to know is where is the proof that we can afford to tax ourselves to pay ourselves, where is the proof that it won't hurt long term productivity, and where is the proof that it doesn't cause inflation. A 120 person 36 month trial program cannot answer any of these questions. There is no proof that would actually appease you. There is no way you could measure the effect on inflation wi…

Post by vsareto » Wed, Aug 19, 2020, 8:01 PM UTC

molmalo wrote: post #100

I see the claims that this won't produce inflation with extreme scepticism. And I say this, living in a country that has had something similar to a basic income for years, although not fully universal (universal for kids, and people below certain income line), the vast majority of people get it and ended up resulting in that around half the public budget goes to social expenses. Every year that bag gets bigger, defic…

Post by luckylion » Wed, Aug 19, 2020, 8:03 PM UTC

alistairSH wrote: post #105

missedthecue wrote: post #37

Earlier quoted context omitted.

>The thing about government programs that hand out cash is that the money will be circulated back into the local economy most of the time, which is a net benefit How is taxing the local economy to spend in the local economy (and some abroad) a net benefit? That's just transfer payments with some friction loss.

Taxing the national economy, with distribution locally. IE, tax a wealthy NYer, transfer to a poor Appalachian, and the Appalachian economy sees a small boost.

Post by vorpalhex » Wed, Aug 19, 2020, 8:05 PM UTC

bobthepanda wrote: post #136

vorpalhex wrote: post #120

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What's the difference between your local grocery store clerk, and a Hollywood actor? They both likely have cars, homes and an iphone. Sure, your Hollywood actor is probably driving an exotic sports car and their iphone is diamond studded, but fundamentally, what does it matter? > housing, food, education and health. Any society where anyone can't get those things by asking for them is not fair I agree in the general…

> We provide free education through a high school diploma and community college in most areas Can you actually do anything with just an associate's? In my experience, most places that require college degrees require a minimum of a bachelor's.